School Bus Driver Job Description

 

Reports To

Transportation Director/Assistant Principal/Principal

Position Summary

The School Bus Driver is responsible for safely transporting students to and from school, assigned activities, and other authorized destinations. The driver maintains a safe, orderly, and respectful environment on the bus while complying with all federal, state, and local laws, school district policies, and transportation procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate a school bus on assigned routes and according to established schedules.

• Transport students safely to and from school, bus stops, extracurricular activities, field trips, and other approved locations.

• Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip inspections and promptly report mechanical or safety concerns.

• Ensure the bus is checked after each route or trip to confirm that no students or belongings remain onboard.

• Maintain appropriate student behavior and enforce district bus safety expectations consistently and respectfully.

• Follow established procedures for student loading, unloading, seating, and crossing.

• Maintain awareness of traffic, road, and weather conditions and adjust driving practices appropriately.

• Follow all applicable traffic laws, commercial driving regulations, district policies, and transportation department procedures.

• Maintain accurate route, mileage, inspection, student, incident, and other required records.

• Report accidents, student behavior concerns, safety issues, route problems, and other incidents according to district procedures.

• Communicate professionally with students, parents/guardians, school staff, transportation personnel, and the public.

• Maintain confidentiality regarding students and district information.

• Keep the assigned bus reasonably clean and ready for safe operation.

• Participate in required training, safety meetings, evaluations, and professional development.

• Follow established emergency procedures, including evacuation procedures, and assist students during emergencies.

• Provide appropriate assistance to students with disabilities or other transportation needs as assigned and trained.

• Perform other transportation-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

• Valid driver's license and appropriate Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with required endorsements, as applicable.

• Meet all federal, state, and district requirements for school bus drivers.

• Maintain required medical certification and successfully complete required physical examinations, drug/alcohol testing, background checks, driving record reviews, and other screenings.

• Successfully complete required school bus driver training and maintain all required certifications.

• Demonstrate a safe driving record and knowledge of school bus safety procedures.

• Ability to communicate effectively and work appropriately with school-age children and adults.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The employee must be able to:

• Operate a school bus safely and responsibly.

• Exercise sound judgment during routine and emergency situations.

• Maintain composure and professionalism when addressing student behavior or challenging situations.

• Follow written and verbal instructions accurately.

• Read and understand maps, routes, schedules, safety procedures, and transportation documents.

• Establish positive and appropriate relationships with students.

• Work independently while maintaining effective communication with transportation staff and school personnel.

• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, integrity, and attention to safety.

Physical Requirements

The employee must be physically capable of performing the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation. Duties may require prolonged sitting, frequent use of arms and legs to operate vehicle controls, climbing bus steps, bending, reaching, assisting students, performing vehicle inspections, and responding appropriately during emergency situations.

The employee must meet all applicable physical and medical requirements established for school bus drivers.

Work Environment

Work is performed primarily in and around a school bus and may involve exposure to changing weather conditions, traffic, vehicle noise, fumes, temperature variations, and interactions with students of varying ages and needs. The position typically requires early morning and afternoon work and may include occasional evening, weekend, field trip, or extracurricular assignments.

Performance Expectations

Successful performance is demonstrated by:

• Safe and dependable student transportation.

• Compliance with laws, regulations, district policies, and transportation procedures.

• Consistent attendance and punctuality.

• Appropriate management of student behavior.

• Accurate completion of required inspections and documentation.

• Professional communication and conduct.

• Prompt reporting of safety concerns and incidents.

• Commitment to student safety and well-being.

Terms of Employment

Work schedule, contract period, compensation, and benefits are established by the school district in accordance with applicable board policies and employment procedures.

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with school district policy and established transportation department procedures.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified based on district needs and applicable laws and regulations.